What Does an Operations Manager Do?

An Operation Manager plays a pivotal role in business. He is required in private companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations. Operations Management involves diverse tasks like purchase, supply, workflow management and maintaining a balance between people and process.

While other employees can focus on a specialized area of operation (for example, finance, HR and so on), an operations manager is required to perform multiple tasks. Basically, he has to work in varied departments. An efficient Operations Manger contributes directly to the organization’s growth and success.

Roles of an Operations Manager

Supply chain management

Supply chain management means movement of goods from the producer to the end user. A supply chain manager purchases the raw material, delivers it to various points, and ensures that the material is being utilized to its full capacity, manufacturing the finished goods and delivering them to the consumers.

Logistics management

Logistics is an integral part of operations management. The logistics manager has to ensure that the supply chain is working efficiently and in a cost-effective manner. He is responsible for developing strategies for distributing, creating and maintaining contacts with intermediaries. Also, he deals with the import and export process.

Inventory management

Inventory control involves creating plans and strategies for inventory control, looking after the systems used for inventory control as well as the physical inventory. Additionally, it involves managing the inventory documents. An inventory control manager can also handle purchasing too.

Quality control

The main aspect of quality control is to ensure that the quality of the goods is as per the requirement of the clients. This involves understanding the client requirements and monitoring the quality from time to time. New and innovative methods to improve quality must be introduced.

Budget management

The operations manager has to obtain requirements and coordinate with the finance department to obtain the necessary approval for the budget. He also has to manage everything within the allocated budget and ensure that quality equipments are procured.

Manage third party relations

The operational manager needs to ensure that standard procedures are followed by the third parties. Also, the manager needs to ensure that the necessary administrative and legal formalities are completed, third party properly executes the agreed terms and conditions.

What does it require to be an Operations Manager?

It requires crisp communication skills to ensure that there is proper flow of information between various departments. Similarly, good presentation and interpersonal skills are important too.

One needs to have the knack of multitasking and team building so that there is on-time delivery.

An Operations Manager needs to constantly keep his team motivated and be on his toes so that the balance is maintained between the various organizational aspects.

An Operations Manager is expected to be an effective leader and take initiatives because many crucial decisions need to be taken by him.

Also, he must possess decision making and analytical skills.

Additionally, it is also imperative that he must have problem solving abilities and must be able to resolve conflicts.

An Operations Manager is expected to have sound knowledge of the business processes and must remain updated with the changing market trends.

It is needless to say that an Operations Manager must be able to work under immense pressure and tight deadlines.

It is recommended that an Operations Manager must possess some technical knowledge along with managerial skills.